January U.S. Ag Tractor and Combine sales data from the association showed prominent growth in all but two machine categories, indicating strong sales trends within the industry in spite of a struggling farm economy.

“For U.S. sales, our January numbers appear to be following a similar pattern as year-end, with continued overall positive data despite a weak overall farm economy,” said AEM Senior Vice President of Ag Services Curt Blades. “We remain committed to advocating for pro-growth trade policies and the end to retaliatory tariffs. To keep the U.S. agriculture economy strong, we’re also urging for the swift implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill, expansion of rural broadband coverage, and year-round sales of E-15 under the Renewable Fuel Standard to help provide some stability for farmers in the months ahead”

As shown in AEM’s latest report, sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors saw a substantial 38.2 percent growth from January of 2018 to January of 2019, while self-propelled combine sales increased by nearly 15 percent.

Additionally, in January, total U.S. sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors experienced growth of nearly 5 percent. More specifically, sales of under-40 HP tractors experienced a growth of over 13 percent, while 40-100 HP tractors had a decrease in sales of 6.8 percent and 100+ HP tractors dropped 3.5 percent.

On the other hand, Canadian sales of tractors did not fare as well in January. While sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors jumped almost 8 percent, and total self-propelled combine sales experienced a massive 31.1 percent spike, total tractor sales did not experience the same positive results.

When mentioning the decrease in Canadian retail sales of tractors and combines, Blades said, “For Canada, one month doesn’t make a trend, but it is notable to watch. We are still concerned about continued market uncertainty and its effect on farmers’ business planning.”